By Aaron Watson 
The K-12 educational scheme followed by the Eastern country, Japan is an all-around, comprising thirteen years of seemingly compulsory education.
At roughly around the age of five to six, Japanese children are sent to school by their parents to the versatile kindergarten timetable.
When they complete this kindergarten education, students in Japan are then sent to another 12 years divided into elementary, middle, or junior high school and senior high school.
In Japan’s K-12 schools’, elementary education takes an additional year compared to the Western education system.
The senior high school also takes an additional one year of senior high school education in Japanese school. Thus, it is safe to say that Japan follows a 6-3-3 system of formal education.
Both America and Japan are the technological hubs of the world.
Why Choose CBSE Education for Students in Japan?
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is a preferred form of education in Japan as well. It (CBSE) is a universally recognized board of education and offers Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) approach. The structure is rigid, yet flexible, hence semi-flexible, and is customized according to every student’s needs.
Why Choose Montessori Plus Programme for your children to study in Japan?
The Montessori program is recognized across the globe. It is one of the best curricula for kindergartners and primary Japan school goers. Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, this program revolves around student-centric needs. It is also very beneficial since every student gets a chance to explore what is best for them whether it is interacting with other students, playing with toys, debating, etc. The model is such that it is child-friendly which means the entire environment is designed around a student-friendly atmosphere whether it is baby proofing, playing with themes.
The walls are such that the student can interact with them around certain themes, such as picnic, garden, flowers, flora and fauna, astronomical themes amongst many others. It requires students to develop in a community, have and shape values that are their own and not enforced by a teacher. Montessori students take responsibility and accountability for themselves and others developing leadership-like qualities from an early age.
What to remember while applying for these excellent programs in Japan’s K 12 Programme :
● Travel and transportation are essential for a student. Make sure that the school you apply to has facilities of transportation like buses, vans etc. Make sure that the travel time is not immense as it will hamper the growth as most of the time should not go into traveling.
● Security is another very important aspect. Make sure school has appropriate safety and caution measures for your child since children are vulnerable to abuse and as studies show, if a child is abused there is a higher likelihood of them developing a mental illness as they grow into adulthood.
● Look at the prospectus to determine the infrastructure is student-friendly. It should have cameras, state of the art architecture.
● Technology is very important for a 21st-century student. Learning through artificial intelligence, virtual reality all make it a seamless process for the child to learn even if they are unable to experience it in reality.
● Communication with the faculty, student forums, and parent community is non-negotiable. When a parent is involved in their child’s learning process everyone is on the same page making it an easier and less chaotic and more confusing environment.
● Make sure there are grievance cells, counselors, or any additional requirements that your child might need. It is important to have career counselors, psychologists all on board for the best outcome.
● Teaching faculty should be trained as well qualified to teach the students. This means changing the role from one-way communication to that of an educator.
● Look at awards, testimonials of other parents that will help you decide whether a school is worth the trouble or not. Testimonials help get a chance to understand the school and its operations better.
● Look out for extracurricular activities like different sports including swimming, basketball, baseball, hockey or any other sport your child might like. Extracurricular activities also include music, dance, learning rooms, book clubs, community service, etc.
● Take a school tour. Most schools offer school tours for parents to understand the school better even if it is virtual.
● Apply early as most good schools get waitlisted and have heavy induction of students.
● Find out what documents you might need, any tests, exams that you or your child might have to give including interviews.
● Figure out your finances and look for opportunities like scholarships, bank loans, educational aid from your company as many companies offer education backing for their employees.
● Make your child aware of Japanese culture so they can explore more. Japan is a tech hub as well as lives on the concept of Ikigai, minimalism, manners, and values. Research and educate your child while bridging these into your everyday routine. Meditation, mindfulness, and acceptance are some values that the Japanese live by.
● Don’t immerse your child into a completely foreign concept. Check if the school has meet-ups for non-Japanese students, that is, expats. This can help your child not go into a cultural shock and maintain life as regular and blend in.
Conclusion about the K 12 Education System in Japan Schools:
Japan is a great place to live in and explore. Make sure you and your child know what they are getting into. Recognized schools are often awarded and appreciated in the media as well. Look for schools that are high ranking such as Global Indian International School that provides a blend of knowledge and a holistic development opportunity to its students. At the end of the day do your research about what works and what doesn’t for you and your child.
Don’t jump in blindly with no context or information. It is natural to be stressed about your child’s education, talk to parents who already have their children in these schools. Trust the process and the curriculum that these schools provide including Montessori and CBSE or International Board (IB).
Maryam